Coaching for Impact Programme

April 12, 2026

Hockey Coaches Involved in the 2026 to 2027 Coaching for Impact Programme 


A number of hockey coaches are contributing to the 2026 to 2027 Coaching for Impact Programme, an initiative led by New Zealand Cricket and supported by Sport New Zealand and a collective of National Sporting Organisations, including Hockey New Zealand. 


The primary objective of the programme is to grow a collaborative network of coaches who are influencing positive change in youth sport, aligned to the Balance is Better philosophy. Coaching for Impact aims to broaden both the availability and access to high-quality coaching experiences for rangatahi across secondary school and community club environments. 

In this iteration, the programme is being delivered to two cohorts. A North Island cohort is centred in Wellington, alongside a South Island cohort centred in Christchurch. The programme commenced with an online connection session, followed by two in-person learning camps delivered across February and March. 


The hockey coaches involved in the 2026 to 2027 programme are: 

Brijen Parikh (West Coast), Francesca Rowley (Auckland), Ben Sinnamon (Canterbury) Daniel Cleghorn (Canterbury) Brendon Joseph Steer (South Canterbury), Hilary McCullough (South Canterbury), Fraser Bagci (Wellington), Jack Paton (Wellington), Claire Humphries (Wellington), Kirsty Parsons (Whanganui), 


Hockey New Zealand is also actively contributing to the delivery of the programme, with Coaching Lead Ben Owers involved as a trainer (facilitator) for the South Island cohort. 


The involvement of hockey coaches in Coaching for Impact reflects a continued commitment to collaborative, values-led coaching development. Programmes such as this play an important role in strengthening coaching practice, supporting positive youth experiences and aligning the wider sport system around shared principles and long-term athlete wellbeing. 

Want to share this post?

FIH Academy Level 3 Coaching Course 2026 EOI now Open

By Ben Owens • April 1, 2026
Expressions of Interest now open for FIH Level 3 Coaching Course

CoachMate – Your Free Coaching App

By Nicole Youman • March 8, 2026
Your new FREE all in one app for training activities, communication, and team organisation is here.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

By Nicole Youman • February 2, 2026
Applications are now open for Sport Exchange Advisors for Hockey in Japan, through the JET Programme 

Developing Leadership Across Codes through the HNZ and NZC Trainer Programme

By Nicole Youman • January 21, 2026
Hockey NZ and NZ Cricket join forces to support sport development leaders 

Building Coaching Capability

By Nicole Youman • January 12, 2026
Hockey NZ Developers support Australia to strengthen Oceania's Coaching Network

Sport NZ - Women in Coaching Programme - Applications now Open

By Nicole Youman • November 30, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Sport NZ Te Manaakitanga - Women in Coaching Programme
More Posts